Free The Corpse Wore Cashmere by Sylvia Rochester

bait. “I didn’t know Lorraine had a sister or where she called home. We didn’t exactly hang out together. Lorraine was into the nightlife, and that’s not my thing.” He chewed on his bottom lip as if debating to tell her more. “Maybe she left because she didn’t have a choice,” he mumbled.
    “You mean she was fired?”
    He shook his head. “You really should ask Mr. Fleming about Lorraine. I’ve said too much already.” Miguel looked over the mezzanine railing to the lobby below. “It’s time I check with the front desk. I’m sure they could use my help.”
    Susan wasn’t ready to end the conversation, but she needed to be patient, win his trust. Maybe then he’d open up to her. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to keep you from your work, and I certainly didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
    Miguel tucked his clothes under his arm. “No problem. We’re cool. I’ll see you later.”
    As Miguel approached the stairs, Susan called out, “Hey, if you need help with the makeup, let me know. I’ve got the eyes down pat.”

    Picking up the cash box and the credit card machine, Susan pulled the brass gate across the front of the kiosk and locked it into place. She was ready to join A. K. for that drink, but first she wanted to freshen up and give Wesley a call. Once in her room, she lay back across the bed and punched in his number.
    “Hi, sweetie,” he said upon answering. “How are things on the Barbary Coast?”
    “If you could see the decorations, you’d swear you were there. We outfitted all the staff today and are ready to start with the guests tomorrow. I was itching to find out if anyone heard of Lorraine and couldn’t believe it when I heard she was the hostess here.”
    “Okay, Nancy Drew, since you’re determined to get involved, did you find out anything useful?”
    “Not really. The newly hired hostess knew absolutely nothing about Lorraine, and those who said they knew her had only a working relationship with her. I have a feeling the desk clerk knows more than he’s willing to say, and unless I’m a poor judge of character, he’s going to open up to me before long. What about you? Any news on your end?”
    “A possible motive. Lorraine’s bank account reflects several large deposits.”
    “Ah, blackmail!”
    “It’s a possibility. But who? Someone in Biloxi? Is that why she left, to hide out in Palmetto? Or did her victim hail from Palmetto, and she moved home to be a constant reminder, or should I say threat, to him?”
    “I asked Miguel if she was close to anyone here, but he got skittish and didn’t want to talk about her.”
    “Miguel?”
    “He’s the desk clerk manager. What better place to have an affair than at a hotel? Could be she wasn’t romantically involved with someone but had the goods on someone else. As hostess, I don’t imagine much escaped her.”
    “Since there’s no stopping you, how about I fax you a couple of photos of Palmetto’s dignitaries? See if this Miguel recognizes anyone. I’ve pulled up the hotel’s website and copied their fax number. I’ll send the photos now.”
    “Then I’d better let the front desk know I’m expecting a fax. I’ll pick it up on my way to find A. K.”
    “In other words, you’re going to the bar.” He laughed.
    “One thing’s for sure—she’s making the most of her stay here.”
    “All kidding aside, be careful.”
    “I will.”
    “Wish I could be there with you.”
    “Wish you could too. Oh, I almost forgot. Before I left Palmetto, Myrtle stopped by the boutique. I suggested that she go through Lorraine’s things and look for any photos, letters, or anything that would identify Lorraine’s friends. She said she would. I told her to call you if she found anything.”
    “Thanks. Now go and have some fun.”
    “I’m going to try. Love you.”
    Susan ended the call and placed the phone over her heart. In her mind, she could still hear Wesley’s deep voice and longed for his lips against